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Skin checks

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Skin checks

  • Post
    • October 4, 2018 at 10:23 pm
    pinky2001
    Participant

      .93 melanoma, stage 1b.  No sentinel node biopsy. Was told skin checks every 3 months.  A new dermatologist says every 6 months meets NCCN guidelines.  Who is correct?  Thanks.

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    • Replies
        • October 4, 2018 at 10:30 pm
        MelanomaMike
        Participant
          Your post seems to be missing its introduction & beganing body..need more info..
          • October 5, 2018 at 5:38 am
          Janner
          Participant

            Neither is wrong or right.  There has been no standard for a long time, just different institutions setting their own guidelines.  If NCCN says 6 months, then I'm glad there is someone taking a stand.  About 10% of melanoma warriors may have a second primary.  If you watch your own skin paying particular attention to new lesions, then you don't have to rely on a derm.  Watch your own skin for change and make an appt every six months. If something shows up that concerns you, make an appointment at that time.  I found all my three primaries and don't expect my derm to find anything I haven't already identified.  I go every six months.  I'm a long time out from my last primary but am at higher risk because I've had three already.  My institution says every six months for life for those with more than one. If you are vigilant, then six months is totally fine.  My last primary was very close to yours, 0.88mm and no SNB.  Stage 1b since 1992.

              • October 6, 2018 at 4:18 pm
              MelanomaMike
              Participant
                Wow Janner! I guess there was enuff of this person’s “post” to comment on, to me it sounded like walking into a room & joining in on a conversation that has begun 20 minutes before hand! Lol…
                • October 9, 2018 at 1:07 am
                Janner
                Participant

                  If you've been around as long as I have, you get to know the shorthand – and early stages are my specialty.  The OP gave me plenty to work with although more details are always welcome.

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